SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

Lao American Sports Hall of Fame
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity Podcast

The SEA4 Podcast aims to bring the stories of refugees from Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam and their American-born descendants into the mainstream. By focusing on athletes and other accomplished individuals who have overcome adversity we hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams. John Messina and Ko Chandetka from the Lao American Sports Hall of Fame will be interviewing athletes and others who represent the diverse cultures of Southeast Asia including Lao, Laotian, Khmu, Khmer, Hmong, Vietnamese, Lu Mien, Cham, and others.

  1. Sambo Kim: Promoting Bokator and the Kun Khmer Martial Arts

    SEP 6

    Sambo Kim: Promoting Bokator and the Kun Khmer Martial Arts

    Sambo Kim, born in Cambodia, found his connection to an ancient Khmer tradition not in his homeland but 8,000 miles away in America. It was there that he discovered Bokator, a martial art with deep roots in his heritage. Like many young people, Sambo’s initial exposure to martial arts came through Hollywood films, but what began as a childhood fascination quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Returning to Cambodia to train and being mentored under the guidance of Master Kenya Prach, Sambo has been entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and promoting a tradition that spans over 2,000 years. His mission now is twofold: to pass Bokator on to a new generation and to bring it to the Hollywood screens that first sparked his journey. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClueQz3Xaxcvw-Pvy3Lq82A Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

    34 min
  2. Matthew Nola: Building pickleball in Laos

    AUG 15

    Matthew Nola: Building pickleball in Laos

    At the bottom, there's only one direction to go: up. When Matthew Nola left the Nong Khai refugee camp and boarded a one-way flight to America with his family, he could only have imagined that his return ticket would come in the form of an unexpected game: pickleball. Now recognized as the fastest-growing sport in the world, pickleball has transformed Matt into one of its most passionate advocates. From playing in tournaments, developing future stars to building a brand that would help put his ancestral homeland of Laos on the map, Matt has become a key figure in the sport's rise. When we spoke with him in 2022, pickleball was barely known in Southeast Asia. Today, courts are springing up across the region and Matt is leaving a lasting impact by spreading America's latest sports craze and changing lives along the way. Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC Nong Khai refugee camp photo by John Burgess

    28 min
  3. Anna Ounoutha: Probation Officer and Motorcycle Drag Racer

    JUL 25

    Anna Ounoutha: Probation Officer and Motorcycle Drag Racer

    Life is a journey filled with highs, lows, joy and pain and no one knows this better than Anna Ounoutha. Raised by refugee parents from Laos, she experienced the devastating loss of her brother to gang violence and became a mother during her teenage years. Instead of succumbing to these challenges, Anna transformed adversity into motivation. She pursued higher education, established a successful career in criminal justice, raised a family, and even excelled as a drag racer. Her resilience and determination not only shaped her personal achievements but also inspired her to give back to the community. Through our interview with Anna, one profound lesson emerges: despite life's hardships, every day is a precious gift meant to be cherished. Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

    44 min
  4. Andy Rasavongseuk: New York Fire Fighter

    JUN 29

    Andy Rasavongseuk: New York Fire Fighter

    For most of us help is only a phone call away but we often forget that those responding in our time of need are fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters… everyday people. At no time was that more evident than on September 11th, 2001 when 343 firefighters lost their lives. From routine fire inspections to one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, Andy Rasavongseuk served the people of New York for over 25 years. This selfless father of three and his colleagues put their lives on the line to protect others all while quietly fighting their own internal battles. As a nation, we made a solemn vow to never forget those who perished on 9/11. Equally important is our remembrance of the survivors, for whom that tragic day will never end. Andy Rasavongseuk retired form the New York Fire department after serving over 25 years including during September 11th, 2001

    51 min
  5. Bonus Episode: 2023 SEA Games Recap

    JUN 7

    Bonus Episode: 2023 SEA Games Recap

    In 2023 a group of Lao American athletes traveled to Cambodia to represent Laos at the SEA games. Among the group was Angelina Messina (University of Pittsburgh Swim). Astrid Dirkzwager (Georgia Tech swim), Ariana Dirkzwager (Georgia Tech swim, Steven Insixiengmay (University of Georgia swim) and Dawson Sihavong (Stanford University wreslting). This episode includes a short recap and interviews with the athletes that were conducted at the games.

    16 min
  6. Samson Phommabout: MMA Fighter & Entrepreneur

    APR 8

    Samson Phommabout: MMA Fighter & Entrepreneur

    Samson, a man so powerful they say he could slay a lion with his bare hands. Much like his biblical namesake, Samson Phommabout’s life story is one of incredible strength and resilience. Raised in the shadows of Salt Lake City, Samson's early years were marred by the allure of gang life. It would take a brush with law enforcement and the tragic loss of a dear friend before he would confront the harsh realities of where his choices were taking him. He decided to trade the streets for the cage, channeling his energy into mixed martial arts. Samson would rise through the amateur ranks and into the pros. Through blood, sweat, and relentless dedication, he transformed himself into a professional fighter and tested the waters as an entrepreneur. Samson’s ultimate goal is to represent his Lao heritage on the international stage. https://www.instagram.com/wutsupsamson/ https://www.facebook.com/samson.phommabout Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC Samson and the Lion photo y Barbara Maliszewska - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 pl, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28259878

    45 min
  7. Kyto Khoungrasvongsa: Football Player, Coach and Team Owner

    MAR 14

    Kyto Khoungrasvongsa: Football Player, Coach and Team Owner

    The first generation walked, so that the second could run, and the third…could fly… Lost somewhere between Buddhist ancestors and Mormon neighbors, between his Lao heritage and the American dream Kyto Khouangrasvongsa would find his way home on the football field. Kyto began playing in high school before transitioning into the semi pros. When the team he was playing on went into default, Kyto paid off the debts and found himself at the helm as owner and general manager. Evolving from player to leader, football became more than a game—it became a crucible that forged Kyto's character. As he inherits the torch of life from his refugee parents, Kyto envisions a future where for his son, the field is only the launching pad. Kytos’ parents came from Laos as refugees. His older brother was born in the Nong Khai refugee camp while Kyto was born in Utah. www.laoamericansports.com Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

    44 min
  8. Jason Somchay: Muay Thai and MMA Fighter

    FEB 24

    Jason Somchay: Muay Thai and MMA Fighter

    They say that a smooth sea has never made a skilled sailor. The odds were stacked against Jason Somachay in life. Growing up without a father, being raised by his immigrant grandparents and finding his way into the juvenile justice system. It was through the tumultuous seas of his youth that he discovered his anchor: martial arts. After being introduced to MMA by an uncle, Jason would rise through the south Florida amateur circuits and in 2012 made his professional debut. His journey as an athlete and person would come full circle when in 2024 he travelled to Laos and Thailand, re-connecting with his heritage, visiting the grave of a father that he never knew, embracing the spiritual side of Muay Thai and learning that at 37, his life was only beginning. https://www.instagram.com/somchay_muaythai/ https://www.instagram.com/raginasian_fightfitness/ Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

    50 min
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The SEA4 Podcast aims to bring the stories of refugees from Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam and their American-born descendants into the mainstream. By focusing on athletes and other accomplished individuals who have overcome adversity we hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams. John Messina and Ko Chandetka from the Lao American Sports Hall of Fame will be interviewing athletes and others who represent the diverse cultures of Southeast Asia including Lao, Laotian, Khmu, Khmer, Hmong, Vietnamese, Lu Mien, Cham, and others.

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